Larry Bowa
Far from the most gifted player, Larry Bowa used everything he had to the best of his ability, and played more games at shortstop than anyone in National League history. Through remarkable defensive positioning, Bowa seemed to always be in the right place, setting records for fewest errors in a season, and most seasons leading the league in fielding by a shortstop. A hot-tempered switch-hitter, Bowa developed into a stingy hitter who rarely struck out and was rarely thrown out on the bases. After his playing career, he made a natural transition into the dugout, managing the Padres and Phillies.
Quotes About Bowa
"Larry Bowa is the best shortstop I've ever seen, and I played with Mark Belanger and Luis Aparicio." — teammate Davey Johnson, in 1977
Played For
Philadelphia Phillies (1970-1981)
Chicago Cubs (1982-1985)
New York Mets (1985)
Managed
San Diego Padres (1987-1988)
Philadelphia Phillies (2001-2004)
Best Season: 1975
A two-time Gold Glove winner, Bowa did not win the award in 1975, but he had his best all-around offensive campaign. He batted .305 with 178 hits, 24 stolen bases, and 79 runs.
Where He Played
Shortstop
Born
Lawrence Robert Bowa was born on December 6, 1945, in Sacramento, CA.
Batted: Both
Threw: Right
Primary Position: SS
Primary Team: PHI
College: Sacramento CC
Major League Debut
April 7, 1970
Nine Other Players Who Debuted in 1970
Dave Concepcion
Jose Cruz
Don Baylor
Larry Bowa
Ken Singleton
Bobby Grich
Cesar Cedeno
Bert Blyleven
Charlie Hough
| Hall of Fame Voting |
| Year |
Election |
Votes |
Pct |
| 1991 |
BBWAA |
11 |
2.5% |
|
Post-Season Appearances
1976 National League Championship Series
1977 National League Championship Series
1978 National League Championship Series
1980 National League Championship Series
1980 World Series
1981 National League Division Playoffs
1984 National League Championship Series
Awards and Honors
1972 NL Gold Glove
1978 NL Gold Glove
Hitting Streaks
18 games (1970)
18 games (1981)
All-Star Selections
1974 NL
1975 NL
1976 NL
1978 NL
1979 NL
Best Strength as a Player
He was a sure-handed shortstop, and he was also a fine bunter.
Largest Weakness as a Player
Hitting for power.
Other stories on the Web about Larry Bowa
Bowa named Yankees' third base coach ⇒
Learn More about Larry Bowa
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View a map of his hometown at Mapquest ⇒
